Friday update on Northland shooting investigation

The
scene examination on Mt Tiger Road will continue throughout
the weekend.

Fire inspectors are assisting police in
establishing the cause of the fire, while specialist
forensic staff are continuing a detailed search of the
burnt-out property.

What is believed to be a firearm has
been located next to the suspected remains of Quinn
Patterson in the property, however this requires further
forensic examination before it can be fully
confirmed.

Police can confirm that Patterson possessed a
number of firearms, but did not hold a firearms licence.
How he came to acquire these firearms is clearly a concern,
and an important focus of the investigation.

Police will
only know exactly what firearms and other devices Patterson
had available to him once the detailed scene examination is
completed.

“I appreciate there are many questions being
asked about this tragedy.

These issues all form part of
the meticulous investigation which is ongoing," says
Superintendent Russell Le Prou, Northland District
Commander.

“It is very important that we fully
understand what led to the events of Wednesday, including
what was known about Patterson.

“We are aware of many
comments from individuals in the media about Patterson.

If
you have information that will help us then I urge you to
talk to police if you have not already done so.

If you are
not sure if your information will help, then please talk to
us anyway and let us decide.”

Police are continuing to
support the victims involved and their families, as well as
the police staff who responded.

“Police has received
many messages of support from the community here in
Northland and I would like to express my thanks for
those,” says Superintendent Le Prou.

“It is at times
like this that our community really shows its
strength.”

“We will work tirelessly to ensure we get
answers to the questions which are being asked, and identify
any steps needed to prevent a tragedy like this occurring
again.

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